front |1 |2 |3 |4 |5 |6 |7 |8 |9 |10 |11 |12 |13 |14 |15 |16 |17 |18 |19 |20 |21 |22 |23 |24 |review

Liver Function Tests (LFTs): LFTs include a number of markers that help determine liver status. These include ALT (SGPT), AST (SGOT), LDH, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin. Elevated liver enzymes are commonly caused by certain medications. Elevated enzyme levels can also be caused by liver disease such as hepatitis B or C, injuries, and tumors. Abnormal liver function test levels are common in 60-70% of people with HIV, but liver failure is unusual. High alkaline phosphatase levels along with normal bilirubin levels can show serious disease and are often seen in people with Mycobacterium avium Complex (MAC), cytomegalovirus (CMV), histoplasmosis, drug side effects or Kaposi's Sarcoma. Bilirubin, a product of dead red blood cells, is eliminated through the liver. High bilirubin levels in the blood can indicate hepatitis (associated with a yellow skin color), bile duct obstruction and other liver problems.